People wade through a flooded street in Yuyao, in east China's Zhejiang province Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2013. Although Typhoon Fitow landed Monday in the southeastern province of Fujian, the neighboring province... (AP Photo)

(Newser)
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A Chinese official has been fired for getting a piggyback ride over floodwaters, state Xinhua news agency reports. The local authority, referred to by his surname, Wang, was visiting flood victims in the city of Yuyao, Zhejiang province. He was wearing fancy shoes, and when he prepared to take them off for wading purposes, a villager lifted him up instead. Wang, Xinhua says, tried to "insist" on walking barefoot, but the damage was apparently done: A photo of the piggyback went viral on social media, prompting outrage. He was fired, though he hadn't violated any official rules, notes Quartz, which has the image.

It's hard to figure how those communists think. In Soviet Union the guy would be praised for loving party. In China jail time, go figure.

dan marsh

Oct 15, 2013 2:54 PM CDT

Why is it ridiculous? People, why do you think a plebe would offer to carry a grown, male member of the ruling elite through a flooded street? Because he expected he would be better off than if he did not! And the recipient of the ride failed to make that clear, and promoted the image of the ruling elite literally living off the backs of the proletariat! Imagine if a Congressman, cabinet member, bishop, or some sort did that in America! They'd be ridiculed to no end. The only reason there is outrage instead of ridicule is because such domination of people is no laughing matter in China!